Experience Easter through cinematic storytelling

If you’re going to tell a story these days, audiences expect it to be big, bright and shown on a high-definition screen with quadraphonic sound.

With that in mind, Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights is showing “The Easter Experience” on the big screen through Easter on March 31.

“People are much more visual,” said Terry Allen, Bethesda’s art department director. “It was an opportunity to look at the Easter story in a different way as a church, and maybe an evangelist opportunity for the community.”

Although “The Easter Experience” has been around for a number of years, this is the first time Bethesda has been able to show it. Audiences so far, have given it great reviews.

“Last week was really effective,” said Visger. “We showed the denial of Christ by Peter and Judas and a woman came up to the altar just weeping. Then she knelt down and looking up said, ‘My life can change. I like that.’”

“The Easter Experience,” a DVD series, is broken down into six parts or episodes that work their way through the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each episode highlights an important event -– such the betrayal by Peter and Judas -– along with the lessons that are learned (or not) by it. To enhance the experience, audiences are invited to attend a gathering after the episode to discuss what happened and how it might relate to their life.

The film is similar to Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” in that it’s a high-quality film created by City on a Hill Productions, a nonprofit Christian film and video production ministry based in Louisville, Ky. It features elaborate costumes, set designs and an experienced cast and crew, including director Shane Sooter, who also plays the role of Jesus. The difference is audiences are given time to pause and think about the events of the story. Each Sunday one episode is shown (10 a.m.). The following Wednesday, audience members are invited to return for a group discussion held in the dining room (7 p.m.).

Some use the time to question the pastor, others to ask how the scripture relates to them. Some of the questions that have been addressed by the groups thus far: When you have regrets – as big as those felt by Peter and Judas – where do you tend to turn first, yourself, someone else, or your faith? Can you describe how remorse and repentance differ? Why is the distinction important?

“It gives people an opportunity to really dig into this story and evaluate their own lives,” said Visger. “The hope that we have for everybody who experiences this is that no matter what their past, it won’t keep them from Christ’s love. You can find forgiveness. There is hope in Jesus Christ and it’s not just a story at Easter. It’s real.”

“It’s not too late to get involved,” said Allen, whose two teenagers have been attending the show. For younger children, a more age-appropriate version of the film is shown simultaneously in the Children’s Church.

Bethesda Christian Church is located at 14000 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights. For more information, call 586-264-2300 or visit www.bethesdachristian.org. “The Easter Experience” DVD is available for purchase at http://store.cityonahillstudio.com/. The trailer can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/3153070